I'm Dreaming of a White... Tablescape

When designer Nadia Hartman of Nadia Hartman Interiors agreed to create a white-and-metallic tabletop for us, she began by heading straight for the Lark, a gift boutique in Denver’s Country Club neighborhood. “They have all kinds of wonderful, shiny things for the holidays,” she says. Hartman gathered up a smattering of festive sparkle and set to work.

When designer Nadia Hartman of Nadia Hartman Interiors agreed to create a white-and-metallic tabletop for us, she began by heading straight for the Lark, a gift boutique in Denver's Country Club neighborhood. “They have all kinds of wonderful, shiny things for the holidays,” she says. Hartman gathered up a smattering of festive sparkle and set to work. The result is this charming tablescape, dotted with delectable details such as glass pine-cone candleholders and crystal Christmas trees. “I love that you see the main elements of the table—the china and wine glasses, the tall candlesticks—and then you discover the other treasures,” Hartman says.

Here, the designer shares tips for you to create a festive tablescape all your own:
* You don't have to buy all new things to dress up your table. Change the salt and pepper shakers (we love the birds Hartman used here); opt for an unexpected flower or color. Never underestimate how effective small changes can be.
* Nobody says you must cover the table. Hartman skipped the tablecloth or runner because she wanted to play up the contrast between the dark wood table and the clean, white china.
* Vary the size and scale of items to create visual interest. The shortest pieces—such as the tiny Christmas trees and salt and pepper shakers shown here—should be the most abundant; the tallest, such as the candlesticks, more scarce.* An easy strategy: Choose one signature piece, such as bright china or a ceramic piece for the center of the table. For the rest of the table, use a muted palette.
* If you go for this white-and-silver look, add a tiny bit of color, such as pomegranates and greenery, to warm up the space.
* Don't just decorate the table. Add some sparkle to the other parts of your dining room to complete the festive look.